Conservator - Position Announcement

Texas A&M University Libraries seeks a creative, energetic, and dynamic professional to join the Texas A&M University Libraries as a Conservator. This clinical-track academic appointment carries a full faculty status with responsibilities including professional service to meet both the Libraries’ and the University’s requirements for promotion.

The Conservator is responsible for the management of the Texas A&M University Libraries conservation program for both special collections/archives and general collections under the direction of the Preservation Librarian. Duties will include aiding in the staffing, space, equipment, and supply needs for a new conservation lab/preservation facility. The Conservator will perform conservation treatments on collection materials and prepare materials for digitization and exhibits, make treatment decisions and prioritizations, and develop workflows for the delivery of materials to and from the conservation lab. The Conservator will educate on and raise awareness of conservation issues and concerns with the Libraries’ faculty and staff as well as work with the Preservation Librarian on outreach to the campus and community. The individual will participate in committees, including the University Libraries disaster recovery team, and administrative groups, as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:

The successful candidate must have one of the degree/credentialing options listed below:

American Library Association (ALA)-accredited Master’s degree (or international equivalent) accompanied by a Certificate of Advanced Study in Conservation

Master’s degree in a related area (such as Art, Art History, etc.) accompanied by a Certificate of Advanced Study in Conservation

Master of Science in Conservation

Master’s degree in Fine Art (MFA) with an emphasis in Bookbinding

Demonstrated knowledge and experience with advanced book and paper conservation treatments, theory, and practice

Understanding of chemistry and lab safety as it applies to conservation

Comprehensive knowledge of the composition and history of books, paper, and other archive and library related materials

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Demonstrated supervisory experience

Experience working successfully with persons from culturally diverse backgrounds

Demonstrated interpersonal and teamwork skills complemented by the ability to take initiative

Desired Qualifications:

Experience with conservation lab planning and construction

Experience in leading teams and fostering collaborative relationships

Two or more years’ experience in the field of conservation in a library, archives, museum, or art environment

Demonstrated commitment to providing customer service

ENVIRONMENT:

The University: Founded in 1876 as a land-grant institution, Texas A&M University is the sixth largest university in the nation. The signature Aggie Spirit captures and embodies the university’s traditions and core values: Excellence, Integrity, Leadership, Loyalty, Respect, and Selfless Service. The university has an enrollment of more than 55,000 students and 2,800 instructional faculty. Based on Vision 2020, the institution’s goal is to become a premier, tier-one research university and to be ranked among the top 10 public universities nationwide by 2020.

The Libraries: In an effort to provide relevant customer service in an ever-changing environment, the Texas A&M University Libraries is developing a core culture representing flexibility, innovation and risk-taking. In addition, the Libraries recognize the value in creating a culture that draws from the richness and strength reflected in the diversity of our state and our nation and has created an actionable Diversity Plan.

The Libraries currently rank 13th in materials expenditures ($18 million) and 5th in serials expenditures ($14 million) among all ARL libraries. Additionally, the Libraries are projected to rank in the top 10 for 2013-2014 for starting librarian salaries among ARL U.S. Public Academic Libraries. Currently the staffing includes 242 individuals which includes 75 librarians holding faculty status.

The Community: Texas A&M is located in Bryan-College Station, a friendly community where the ubiquitous “howdy” greets friends and newcomers alike. The community boasts excellent medical facilities, live entertainment and the arts, fine-to-casual dining, outdoor recreation, a local airport, and a low cost of living, as well as easy proximity to Austin and Houston. Additionally, Texas residents enjoy the benefit of having no state or local income tax.

Salary/Benefits/Rank: Faculty rank and salary are commensurate with qualifications and experience; minimum starting salary will be $50,500. Excellent benefits include health plan and paid life insurance; several retirement plans including TIAA-CREF; paid holidays and vacation; no state or local income tax. Funding is available for professional travel and development activities.

Applications: Applications received by June 19, 2014 will be given first consideration. The letter of application should address the responsibilities, qualifications, and experiences listed for the position. Please submit application letter, vita, and the names, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of three professional references. References will not be contacted without contacting the candidate first and verifying permission. Send nominations and applications via email to LibrarianJob@library.tamu.eduor mailed to Pixey Mosley, Associate Dean for Administrative & Faculty Services, Texas A&M University Libraries, 5000 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-5000.

An Equal Opportunity Employer, TAMU Libraries is committed to employing quality faculty who will enhance the rich diversity of our academic community. In that regard, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who are representative of the state’s diversity.